Profil antique

1927–1935

Illustrations for his own books

From the 1920s he illustrated his own writings, building figurative form from minimal strokes: an illustrated edition of “Thomas l’imposteur” appeared in 1927, “Opium” and “Le Livre blanc” in 1930, and in 1935 a portfolio of 60 illustrations for “Les Enfants terribles.”

1930s

A round-the-world reportage for Paris-Soir

He made a journey around the world and reported on it for the newspaper Paris-Soir in “Mon premier voyage: Tour du monde en 80 jours,” a neo-Jules Verne travel reportage.

1932–1934

Living with Princess Natalia Paley

He lived with the Russian actress Princess Natalia Paley; rumours spoke of an affair, but Paley’s biographers regard the relationship as purely platonic.

1937

The beginning of his life with the actor Jean Marais

From 1937 until Cocteau’s death in 1963 his companion was the actor Jean Marais, who began with roles in his films.